“Whitby’s been an international port for centuries – after all, this is the place where world-famous explorer Captain Cook set out on his global travels 250 years ago on-board Whitby-built ship, the Endeavour,” explains Captain Chris Burrows, Whitby’s Harbour Master.  “We’ve always been very capable of welcoming cruise ships, but it’s only as a result of ‘the liner lockdown’ that people have started to experience this friendly, historic port for themselves.  This July, the first three cruise ships in a decade anchored in Whitby’s harbour – with rave reviews – and we’ve got interest from many more cruise ships for the year ahead, as travel agents begin to spot our potential.”

One of the reasons Whitby is cruising to success is that it’s one of the friendliest and easiest holiday-making harbours in the country: ships can anchor close to Whitby’s piers, so the transfer for passengers from ship to shore is very quick.  Once on shore, the picturesque town and its world-class attractions are just a few steps from the harbour.

“For many first-time cruise visitors, one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the trip has been the actual journey into Whitby itself, from ship to shore.  The dramatic approach by sea is like a piece of magnificent maritime theatre, with Whitby’s gothic abbey standing sentinel on its clifftop, breath-taking views of the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, and the higgledy-piggledy town huddled around the historic fishing harbour.  Certainly a picture perfect highlight,” adds Chris.

If further incentive were needed, Whitby’s port boasts top-class marine services including a landing facility and linkspan in the centre of the town; a disabled-friendly, enhanced access pontoon; predominantly sheltered anchorage; and the ability to handle two large tenders in tandem or a multitude of Zodiacs – as well as a highly-experienced harbour team on hand to make sure everything goes smoothly for the destination’s new guests.

What’s more, on UK itineraries Whitby is a perfect stopping-off point in between Scotland and England’s South Coast, so Chris has been getting particular interest from independent small ship cruise specialists – like market leaders, Noble Caledonia – who arrange holidays for travellers on ‘Best of British’ tours, or those seeking to explore somewhere a little more magical and unique, somewhere completely different to the average cruise.

Janet Deacon, Tourism and Culture Manager adds: “This has been such an unexpected boost for the Yorkshire Coast’s tourism economy, after a tough couple of years, and we’re doing everything we can to convince travel agents to continue supporting UK cruise destinations after travel restrictions lift.  Ports like Whitby, a gateway to world-famous attractions and some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, have so much to offer luxury travellers, especially those who love venturing off the beaten track to explore somewhere a little more ‘exotic’, scenic and distinctive.  We believe Whitby’s a winner!”

To book a cruise that includes Whitby, ask your local travel agent about UK-based domestic cruises.  For more inspiration about Whitby and the Yorkshire Coast, visit www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

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